Dec 20, 2016, 4:16 am
Last edit by: SWISSBOBBY
HNL or Bust
What can go wrong on TP runs during Christmas and New Year...
Routings
Please add your itineraries below and then post your travel experiences in a real time as possible...
I suggest you link your posts for each sector to the wiki so the person (or people) following our antics can see who got up to what more easily.
SWISSBOBBY
21-12-2016 GVA - LHR BA 733 CE POST 16 Post 20
Chilling at LHR GF
21-12-2016 LHR - GLA BA 1494 DOM POST 22
Family Christmas
26-12-2016 GLA - LHR BA 1487 DOM POST 28
26-12-2016 LHR - DUB BA 828 CE Post 35
HOTEL
27-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA 833 CE Post 36
27-12-2016 LHR - PHL BA 67 CW Post 37
27-12-2016 PHL - LAX AA 613 F POST 48
HOTEL
28-12-2016 LAX - HNL AA 31 F POST 49
HOTEL
HNL DO 29-12-2016
30-12-2016 HNL - KOA HA 388 COACH POST 51
30-12-2016 ITO - HNL HA 241 COACH POST 51
31-12-2016 HNL - LAX AA 162 F POST 52
HOTEL
01-01-2017 LAX - PHL AA 1660 F POST 53
01-01-2017 PHL - DUB AA 722 Bus POST 54
02-01-2016 DUB - LHR BA 835 CE POST 55
02-01-2016 LHR - GVA BA 736 CE POST 56
K&C
26-12-2016 GLA - DUB FR
27-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA 833 CE
27-12-2016 LHR - MIA AA 57 J
28-12-2016 MIA - BGI AA1089 J
JamieABZ
26-12-2016 ABZ - LHR BA1307 DOM
26-12-2016 LHR - CDG BA316 ET
27-12-2016 CDG - JFK AA45 J
27-12-2016 JFK - LAX AA133 J
Hotel
28-12-2016 LAX - HNL AA297 F
Hotel
29-12-2016 - Lulu's!
02-01-2017 HNL - LAX AA298 F
03-01-2017 LAX - JFK AA118 J tricky connection - help!
03-01-2017 JFK - CDG AA44 J
04-01-2017 CDG - LHR BA309 ET
04-01-2017 LHR - ABZ BA1307 DOM
STIJNEC
23-12-2016 AMS - DUB EI611 eco
24-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA831 CE
24-12-2016 LHR - MIA AA39 Biz
25-12-2016 MIA - LAX AA139 F
25-12-2016 LAX - HNL AA297 F
26-12-2016 HNL - LAX AA298 F
27-12-2016 LAX - JFK AA82 F
27-12-2016 JFK - LHR BA116 CW
28-12-2016 LHR - DUB BA834 CE
28-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA 835 ET
28-12-2016 LHR - AMS BA440 ET
FRANCISMC
27-12-2016 EDI - LHR BA1449 DOM
27-12-2016 LHR-CDG BA322 CE
Hotel
28-12-2016 CDG-LHR BA303 CE
28-12-2016 LHR-LAX BA283 CW
28-12-2016 LAX-HNL AA297 F
Hotel
01-01-2017 HNL-PHX AA631 F
02-01-2017 PHX-PHL AA1814 F
02-01-2017 PHL-CDG AA754 BUS
Hotel
04-01-2017 CDG-LHR BA309 CE
04-01-2017 LHR-EDI BA1448 DOM
NEXT...
What can go wrong on TP runs during Christmas and New Year...
Routings
Please add your itineraries below and then post your travel experiences in a real time as possible...
I suggest you link your posts for each sector to the wiki so the person (or people) following our antics can see who got up to what more easily.
SWISSBOBBY
21-12-2016 GVA - LHR BA 733 CE POST 16 Post 20
Chilling at LHR GF
21-12-2016 LHR - GLA BA 1494 DOM POST 22
Family Christmas
26-12-2016 GLA - LHR BA 1487 DOM POST 28
26-12-2016 LHR - DUB BA 828 CE Post 35
HOTEL
27-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA 833 CE Post 36
27-12-2016 LHR - PHL BA 67 CW Post 37
27-12-2016 PHL - LAX AA 613 F POST 48
HOTEL
28-12-2016 LAX - HNL AA 31 F POST 49
HOTEL
HNL DO 29-12-2016
30-12-2016 HNL - KOA HA 388 COACH POST 51
30-12-2016 ITO - HNL HA 241 COACH POST 51
31-12-2016 HNL - LAX AA 162 F POST 52
HOTEL
01-01-2017 LAX - PHL AA 1660 F POST 53
01-01-2017 PHL - DUB AA 722 Bus POST 54
02-01-2016 DUB - LHR BA 835 CE POST 55
02-01-2016 LHR - GVA BA 736 CE POST 56
K&C
26-12-2016 GLA - DUB FR
27-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA 833 CE
27-12-2016 LHR - MIA AA 57 J
28-12-2016 MIA - BGI AA1089 J
JamieABZ
26-12-2016 ABZ - LHR BA1307 DOM
26-12-2016 LHR - CDG BA316 ET
27-12-2016 CDG - JFK AA45 J
27-12-2016 JFK - LAX AA133 J
Hotel
28-12-2016 LAX - HNL AA297 F
Hotel
29-12-2016 - Lulu's!
02-01-2017 HNL - LAX AA298 F
03-01-2017 LAX - JFK AA118 J tricky connection - help!
03-01-2017 JFK - CDG AA44 J
04-01-2017 CDG - LHR BA309 ET
04-01-2017 LHR - ABZ BA1307 DOM
STIJNEC
23-12-2016 AMS - DUB EI611 eco
24-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA831 CE
24-12-2016 LHR - MIA AA39 Biz
25-12-2016 MIA - LAX AA139 F
25-12-2016 LAX - HNL AA297 F
26-12-2016 HNL - LAX AA298 F
27-12-2016 LAX - JFK AA82 F
27-12-2016 JFK - LHR BA116 CW
28-12-2016 LHR - DUB BA834 CE
28-12-2016 DUB - LHR BA 835 ET
28-12-2016 LHR - AMS BA440 ET
FRANCISMC
27-12-2016 EDI - LHR BA1449 DOM
27-12-2016 LHR-CDG BA322 CE
Hotel
28-12-2016 CDG-LHR BA303 CE
28-12-2016 LHR-LAX BA283 CW
28-12-2016 LAX-HNL AA297 F
Hotel
01-01-2017 HNL-PHX AA631 F
02-01-2017 PHX-PHL AA1814 F
02-01-2017 PHL-CDG AA754 BUS
Hotel
04-01-2017 CDG-LHR BA309 CE
04-01-2017 LHR-EDI BA1448 DOM
NEXT...
HNL or BUST (or elsewhere)
Dec 27, 2016, 12:11 am
#31
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Aberdeen
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 751
Rubbish sleep as usual before a long-haul flight, quick shuttle train to T3, pleasant check-in agent, easy security and we are in the Admirals Club. Great first impression, nice leather seats, very good array of food and very quiet at this time. We grabbed some bacon, tortilla and mushrooms, however that was the first disappointment of the day, everything was stone cold. Oh well, croissants it is. Still two hours to go before the flight to JFK. I'll be glad to see the back of CDG, it really is grim.
Dec 27, 2016, 4:22 am
#32
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cheltenham
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 536
BA319 LHR to CDG
First leg done from Edinburgh - ended up with middle seat blocked off which was rather nice on the front row.
Arrived into Heathrow on time and sitting comfortably within Galleries First. I do like their eggs benedict.
I had a call and received a seat swap to seat 64A for my flight tomorrow on the BA283 to LAX. It's a B747 so should be nice
Relocated to the terrace and just having a nice glass of champagne, a great way to kill a few hours before the afternoon flight over to Paris.
Already got got my paper tickets for tomorrow. Planning going straight to CDG Hilton for my early start tomorrow.
Arrived into Heathrow on time and sitting comfortably within Galleries First. I do like their eggs benedict.
I had a call and received a seat swap to seat 64A for my flight tomorrow on the BA283 to LAX. It's a B747 so should be nice
Relocated to the terrace and just having a nice glass of champagne, a great way to kill a few hours before the afternoon flight over to Paris.
Already got got my paper tickets for tomorrow. Planning going straight to CDG Hilton for my early start tomorrow.
Dec 27, 2016, 12:46 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Aberdeen
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 751
Well this is how AA were 20 years ago, unfriendly, disinterested and just looked like they were all wising they were somewhere else. However, good food, really good seat in those refurbished 767's and then my first experience of Global Entry! Wow! It really is just a couple of minutes!
Now in the new International First Class Lounge in JFK - or whatever it's called - very impressed, great vibe, huge new showers, and Bollinger!
See you tomorrow francismc!
Now in the new International First Class Lounge in JFK - or whatever it's called - very impressed, great vibe, huge new showers, and Bollinger!
See you tomorrow francismc!
Dec 27, 2016, 4:21 pm
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Lausanne Switzerland
Programs: BA Gold; Swiss Blue
Posts: 1,244
Update From SB currently in Admiral's Club PHL
Transfer @ LHR on 26th great lots of time to chat to Tiffywren, and to catch up.
Flight to Dublin on time
BA 828 LHR - DUB
After a great meeting in the Lounge with Tiffywren and meeting my TP run buddy Andrew it was time to head to the plane for our flight to DUB
Gate 23 looked really calm as we arrived, the senior member of BA staff as we arrived started looking for people who had hand baggage they were willing to place in the hold. They were offered Priority Boarding as a sweetener. However when boarding started properly the 20 or so people who had taken the bait were so busy looking at each other and blocking the escalator that I walked down the steps passed them all and was seated on board before any of them arrived.
The arrival/take off runways had switched and so we had a the long taxi from stand A23 to RWY 27 R, but as it was boxing day there was little traffic.
Leaving we turned right flying up the M1 before routing over the Wirral and Irish Sea to Land on Runway 28 at Dublin Airport.
The service on board was ok, we were served, we were looked after, but it was a bit minimalist. There were no extras. no chit chat. No Spontaneous offers of top ups.
After the long taxi back to the terminal we disembarked at gate 204 and walked to immigration and then on to the baggage carousel before heading out the terminal to our waiting shuttle bus to the Hilton.
The flight was ok, but that was about it.. it was OK it did not sparkle.
Flight to Dublin on time
BA 828 LHR - DUB
After a great meeting in the Lounge with Tiffywren and meeting my TP run buddy Andrew it was time to head to the plane for our flight to DUB
Gate 23 looked really calm as we arrived, the senior member of BA staff as we arrived started looking for people who had hand baggage they were willing to place in the hold. They were offered Priority Boarding as a sweetener. However when boarding started properly the 20 or so people who had taken the bait were so busy looking at each other and blocking the escalator that I walked down the steps passed them all and was seated on board before any of them arrived.
The arrival/take off runways had switched and so we had a the long taxi from stand A23 to RWY 27 R, but as it was boxing day there was little traffic.
Leaving we turned right flying up the M1 before routing over the Wirral and Irish Sea to Land on Runway 28 at Dublin Airport.
The service on board was ok, we were served, we were looked after, but it was a bit minimalist. There were no extras. no chit chat. No Spontaneous offers of top ups.
After the long taxi back to the terminal we disembarked at gate 204 and walked to immigration and then on to the baggage carousel before heading out the terminal to our waiting shuttle bus to the Hilton.
The flight was ok, but that was about it.. it was OK it did not sparkle.
Dec 27, 2016, 4:23 pm
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Lausanne Switzerland
Programs: BA Gold; Swiss Blue
Posts: 1,244
BA 833 DUB - LHR
It was an unearthly time to be up and about, but we really did not have much wiggle room.. 05:30 wake up, 06:30 shuttle bus, back to DUB for a checkin after a short wait. The BA FLY system was running slowly, but the agent was able to check us both in for our flights the whole way to HNL.
Fast Track security then up to the lounge, for some coffee and a relax before the trip to LHR.
When it was time to head to the gate, we walked slowly through the terminal and arrived at the gate just as Boarding would normally be starting. I was surprised to see after we had been standing there a few minutes that the inbound passengers had not yet disembarked.
I was even more surprised after what seemed like a relatively short period we were called for boarding.
The flight was short taking off on RWY 28 before turn to the right and then over the Irish Sea, Snowdonia, The Midlands, to London. No ATC delays we flew east before turning round the Olympic Park and heading back to LHR to arrive on RWY 27R
The service was great with cooked breakfast, with bacon sausage, scrambled eggs, tomato and mushrooms.
A chance meeting with Kwisstan lead to a nice relaxing wait in the Concorde Room ahead of BA 67 to PHL
It was an unearthly time to be up and about, but we really did not have much wiggle room.. 05:30 wake up, 06:30 shuttle bus, back to DUB for a checkin after a short wait. The BA FLY system was running slowly, but the agent was able to check us both in for our flights the whole way to HNL.
Fast Track security then up to the lounge, for some coffee and a relax before the trip to LHR.
When it was time to head to the gate, we walked slowly through the terminal and arrived at the gate just as Boarding would normally be starting. I was surprised to see after we had been standing there a few minutes that the inbound passengers had not yet disembarked.
I was even more surprised after what seemed like a relatively short period we were called for boarding.
The flight was short taking off on RWY 28 before turn to the right and then over the Irish Sea, Snowdonia, The Midlands, to London. No ATC delays we flew east before turning round the Olympic Park and heading back to LHR to arrive on RWY 27R
The service was great with cooked breakfast, with bacon sausage, scrambled eggs, tomato and mushrooms.
A chance meeting with Kwisstan lead to a nice relaxing wait in the Concorde Room ahead of BA 67 to PHL
Dec 27, 2016, 4:34 pm
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Lausanne Switzerland
Programs: BA Gold; Swiss Blue
Posts: 1,244
Also from PHL
BA 67 LHR - PHL
Boarding from gate B36, I did not wait to see the rugby scrum I was leaving behind as I timed by walk to the gate to perfection, just as the PA was made to welcome First and Club World to board I reached the entrance to the Priority Boarding lane, with no decernable queue.
Soon in my seat 10B I watched a the rest of the passengers boarded, having to duck to miss having my head beaten by a number of back packs
.
Boarding complete and on time we pushed back from the gate and headed to runway 27L for our departure.
The routing was fairly northerly one tracking over Ireland and the south of Greenland before heading down the eastern seaboard of North America, over NYC to PHL.
The crew were fantastic lead by Anthony who set a very high standard for his team. The service while not rapid was not slow, and had obvious hicups.
The crew look after us well.
On time arrival in the PHL and the mess of the PHL immigration hall which was almost a free for all.
Baggage collected and customs forms handed in total time from disembarking was 63 minutes.
Bags deposited and TSA passed, and lounge found... with others who have been with us from Dublin.
LAX next
Boarding from gate B36, I did not wait to see the rugby scrum I was leaving behind as I timed by walk to the gate to perfection, just as the PA was made to welcome First and Club World to board I reached the entrance to the Priority Boarding lane, with no decernable queue.
Soon in my seat 10B I watched a the rest of the passengers boarded, having to duck to miss having my head beaten by a number of back packs
.Boarding complete and on time we pushed back from the gate and headed to runway 27L for our departure.
The routing was fairly northerly one tracking over Ireland and the south of Greenland before heading down the eastern seaboard of North America, over NYC to PHL.
The crew were fantastic lead by Anthony who set a very high standard for his team. The service while not rapid was not slow, and had obvious hicups.
The crew look after us well.
On time arrival in the PHL and the mess of the PHL immigration hall which was almost a free for all.
Baggage collected and customs forms handed in total time from disembarking was 63 minutes.
Bags deposited and TSA passed, and lounge found... with others who have been with us from Dublin.
LAX next
Dec 27, 2016, 11:14 pm
#39
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cheltenham
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 536
Ba303 cdg to lhr
Start of my actual points run - overnight in Hilton CDG which was very comfortable. Took the train from T2 to T3 and the walk was longer than expected.
i prebooked the hotel shuttle for this morning which resulted in being the only person being dropped off and no waiting at all.
Quick check in on and straight to the the lounges. Tried both American & Cathay and both had its merits. American was better for food and Cathay better for decor and appearance.
Boarded on time and just waiting for the rest of the passengers to board. Sitting in seat 1C, so a quick escape once back in Heathrow.
Over two hours to connect to my LAX flight with BA; so hopefully be able to relax in the lounge before the onward flight.
happy travels everyone - JamieABZ; I'm planning on stopping at the Qantas first lounge in LAX when I arrive.
i prebooked the hotel shuttle for this morning which resulted in being the only person being dropped off and no waiting at all.
Quick check in on and straight to the the lounges. Tried both American & Cathay and both had its merits. American was better for food and Cathay better for decor and appearance.
Boarded on time and just waiting for the rest of the passengers to board. Sitting in seat 1C, so a quick escape once back in Heathrow.
Over two hours to connect to my LAX flight with BA; so hopefully be able to relax in the lounge before the onward flight.
happy travels everyone - JamieABZ; I'm planning on stopping at the Qantas first lounge in LAX when I arrive.
Dec 28, 2016, 1:44 am
#40
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cheltenham
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 536
BA283 LHR to LAX
Flight from Paris was delayed by 20 minutes due to the wings needing to be de-iced. landed only 8 minutes late.
Practically empty cabin and had the front row to myself. Crew did only the bare minimum and no real interaction.
Was expected arrivals / security to be a mess and surprised myself in walking straight through both checkpoints with no delays.
Now relaxing back in Galleries First waiting for the LA portion of the flight. Glad I'm in seat 64A on the B747.
One step nearer to Hawaii
Practically empty cabin and had the front row to myself. Crew did only the bare minimum and no real interaction.
Was expected arrivals / security to be a mess and surprised myself in walking straight through both checkpoints with no delays.
Now relaxing back in Galleries First waiting for the LA portion of the flight. Glad I'm in seat 64A on the B747.
One step nearer to Hawaii
Dec 28, 2016, 5:02 pm
#41
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Aberdeen
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 751
Great Transcon, crew so friendly and food good. Bad turbulence for a lot of the flight so I slept - kinda. Overnight on Queen Mary in Long Beach - needs to be done, but boy she is showing her age.
Now in QF F Lounge before our HNL flight at 1700.
Can't wait to get there now, feel jet lagged already, actually stopped drinking!
Now in QF F Lounge before our HNL flight at 1700.
Can't wait to get there now, feel jet lagged already, actually stopped drinking!
Dec 28, 2016, 5:08 pm
#42
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Cheltenham
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 536
AA297 LAX to HNL
Final leg of the journey also. Heathrow to LAX crew were amazing and really glad that I had 64A. I managed some sleep.
Unfortunately due to de-icing the plane at LHR, there was a 40 minute delay in arriving. Couples that with the LAX queues; I didn't manage to get over to the Qantas lounge but religated to the American temporary flagship lounge.
quick shower and some food and almost time to board.
received a nice upgrade at my hotel and going to try digital key check in tonight.
see you all tomorrow night 😊
Unfortunately due to de-icing the plane at LHR, there was a 40 minute delay in arriving. Couples that with the LAX queues; I didn't manage to get over to the Qantas lounge but religated to the American temporary flagship lounge.
quick shower and some food and almost time to board.
received a nice upgrade at my hotel and going to try digital key check in tonight.
see you all tomorrow night 😊
Dec 28, 2016, 8:19 pm
#43
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: East Lancashire
Programs: BA Silver, ATI Volare Premium, Priority Club Platinum, HHonors Silver
Posts: 143
Fog, delays and lost baggage
Not quite been the premium experience today.
This is a family holiday that's results in lots of TPs and Avios rather than a TP run
Started at MAN with car drop off at T3 meet & greet then up to the BA bag drop and then the zoo that was security - thankfully we had priority.
In to the Terraces Lounge and champers and porridge for breakfast.
Early boarding call for a very full A321 then sat on the ground due to fog at LHR.
Finally left about 40 mins late but managed to catch some up. We were in row 3 so quickly off the plane and down to catch the transfer bus to T3 (AA to LAX)
This took 45 minutes due to traffic issues under T3 - then advised by AA staff to go through security and check in with the Admirals Club staff.
Fast Track security at T3 was a joke - people in standard line through before we were.
Get to Admirals Club and shouted at for being there when the flight was closing ! Bit of an over reaction but disconcerting at the time.
Finally into our seats in the front Biz cabin of the 772 - seat felt slightly smaller than the 773 we travelled in last year. Good flight, food OK, plenty to drink etc
Had to wait 20 mins for a gate to come free and then we docked into the TBIT - thought AA were just T4. Took an age to get the jetty attached so was s good 30 mins after landing before we got off.
Through security with very little delay and then bag collection - one hasn't made it from the UK - thankfully MrsB has packed properly and spread all our stuff across 4 bags.
Advised to report missing bad at HNL
Currently sat in Admirals Club waiting for HNL flight.
Looking forward to a day in the sun tomorrow and the HNL Do at Lulus
MrB
This is a family holiday that's results in lots of TPs and Avios rather than a TP run
Started at MAN with car drop off at T3 meet & greet then up to the BA bag drop and then the zoo that was security - thankfully we had priority.
In to the Terraces Lounge and champers and porridge for breakfast.
Early boarding call for a very full A321 then sat on the ground due to fog at LHR.
Finally left about 40 mins late but managed to catch some up. We were in row 3 so quickly off the plane and down to catch the transfer bus to T3 (AA to LAX)
This took 45 minutes due to traffic issues under T3 - then advised by AA staff to go through security and check in with the Admirals Club staff.
Fast Track security at T3 was a joke - people in standard line through before we were.
Get to Admirals Club and shouted at for being there when the flight was closing ! Bit of an over reaction but disconcerting at the time.
Finally into our seats in the front Biz cabin of the 772 - seat felt slightly smaller than the 773 we travelled in last year. Good flight, food OK, plenty to drink etc
Had to wait 20 mins for a gate to come free and then we docked into the TBIT - thought AA were just T4. Took an age to get the jetty attached so was s good 30 mins after landing before we got off.
Through security with very little delay and then bag collection - one hasn't made it from the UK - thankfully MrsB has packed properly and spread all our stuff across 4 bags.
Advised to report missing bad at HNL
Currently sat in Admirals Club waiting for HNL flight.
Looking forward to a day in the sun tomorrow and the HNL Do at Lulus
MrB
Dec 29, 2016, 3:58 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SQ Gold, KQ Platinum, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,348
Dec 29, 2016, 4:19 am
#45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: East Lancashire
Programs: BA Silver, ATI Volare Premium, Priority Club Platinum, HHonors Silver
Posts: 143
When you come off the transfer bus there are 2 lines into the security area - Fast Track and Standard - people on the same transfer bus as us were through the standard lane before we got through FT